Taking Karwa’s Public Bus

October 27, 2008

The buses are new, modern and air-conditioned. They are used mostly by (male) foreign workers.  Qataris and expats who are professionals drive their own cars. 

It can also be very hot to wait outdoors especially during Summer and cold during winter. Supposedly air-conditioned bus shelters are planned. So far, they are like the ones we have back home in S’pore. There are quite a few still without the shelter but only has a green pole-like structure with the bus route info on it.

Could someone comment on the fares ?

I heard pickpocketing happens on these buses. Not surprising. 

Here’s a link to a pdf file showing the bus routes :

http://www.qatarvisitor.com/index.php?cID=414&pID=1411

Sign up for RedDotters Social Activity Group

October 27, 2008

RedDotters is a social group that organises social interaction activities (eg. CNY, Hari Raya, Deepavali celebrations, potlucks, dhow cruise, etc) for the Singapore community in Qatar.

To get the application form to be a member and be on their email distribution list, contact the group’s secretary at annie_tlc@yahoo.com.sg

Karwa Taxi, Private Taxis, Limousine Service

October 27, 2008

Option 1

For booking a Karwa cab, call 4588888. To speak to a English-speaking operator, press “2” when you hear the auto message. 

You need to book at least one day ahead because the taxis are high in demand here. Only one company operating. 

Important* It is hard to flag down taxis during peak hours (mornings and evenings). You will also find long queues at taxi stands such as City Centre (kind of like the taxi stand situation previously at Centrepoint in Singapore). 

Recently there are cases of the fare meter being tampered with or claimed to be out of order. Get out and wait for another if you are not in a rush. Alternatively, agree on a price and go. Karwa advises to don’t pay when you arrive – that I don’t suggest you do.  

Option 2

Private Taxis are private cars that provide illegal taxi services. Just try to flag down at any small car or small pickup. Sometimes, they would horn, flash their lights at you or stop to ask if you want their service. Sometimes you meet nice people and you get a free ride ! 🙂 

You also find them outside shopping centres, Jarir Bookstore, etc.

Impt * Confirm the agreed charge before he drives off to your destination. If you know the cost of taking a taxi, name that rate. Sit in the rear seat if you are a lady. Can be risky and unsafe – although I have yet to hear of any hanky panky or serious attacks carried out.

Option 3

Limousine service are luxury sedans operated by legal companies. The drivers and staff are usually in uniform or smartly dressed. There is normally a booking booth (eg. at City Centre). Fees can be as high as Qr50 or higher for one trip.

The driver would usually give you a car with their name on it so that you can contact them in the future.

Important* Check price first before getting into car.

Get my phoneline, Internet, mobile SIM card

October 26, 2008

Here’s the link to Qtel where you can get all the information for setting up your home phone line and Internet. There are good packages such as Mozaic (3-in-1) that is cheaper. 

 Until Vodafone (other telco) services are available in Qatar sometime end of this year or early 2009, Qtel is the only company you can go to.

http://www.qtel.com.qa/IndexPage.do

Where can I go shopping ?

October 26, 2008

Here’s a good link from Qatar Visitor that has separate links and information about the individual shopping malls, souq, wholesale market.

http://www.qatarvisitor.com/index.php?cID=416&pID=1126&cName=Shopping&pName=shopping

Important & Useful Phone Nos.

August 28, 2008

Singapore Embassy

New West Bay Area (off Lusail Street)
P O Box 24497
Doha
State of Qatar
Phone:
+974-412-8082
+974-412-8083
Fax:
+974-412-8180
+974-412-8183

Name Number
Fire 999
Ambulance 999
Police 999
Electricity & Water 991
Emergency Hamad 4392111

You can find a online directory under the Qtel link below with phone numbers for govt agencies, banks, travel, hotels, shopping, automobile services, book shops, clubs, sports and many more. Or you can call 180.

http://www.qtel.com.qa/ImpSearch.do?catList=0&subList=0

Newspaper would also have the numbers and so would the Marhaba book.

Anyone has a ready or better list ?  Pls share.

Link to Qatar online road directory

August 26, 2008

Click below :

http://www.gisqatar.org.qa/ExploreEn/

Easiest is to :

1. Click on the “Landmarks” button (if it is a building or organisation)

2. Then type in the name under “Search Landmark”

3. Unless you spell it exactly like it is indexed, it will return a no results. If that happens, type in key words like “University”.

4. Not all commercial entities are listed. I believe only those that pay or maybe it is a government entity.

Get my multi-exit pass (coming ..)

August 26, 2008

Get my exit permit (coming ..)

August 26, 2008